Pennsylvania is still sorting through the legality of the voter ID bill passed in the legislature (Republican majority) and signed by the governor (also a Republican) last year. It wasn't the first time the state considered legislation on voter ID. This is a very brief history, giving just cursory information. Interested readers are encouraged to do further research on their own.
In 2002 State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (Republican) introduced a bill in the House that would require voters to show a photo identification at the polls. It passed the house but the Senate adjourned before voting on their version of the bill. The legislation mirrored a federal bill being considered at the same time.
The 2004 election was the first in which voters in new locations or first time voters had to show a voter ID card or a photo ID. Student IDs were acceptable. People who didn't have those could show a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check. Voters who did not have any id could cast a provisional ballot. It was a complicated process, though, requiring the provisional ballot to be placed in an envelope signed by the voter.
In 2006 both the Pennsylvania state senate and house (both having a Republican majority) passed voter ID legislation but it was vetoed by Gov. Rendell. The bill would have required all voters to file a provisional ballot if they didn't have identification.
In 2008 Metcalfe introduced another bill requiring voter identification but it didn't pass.
In 2009 State Sen. Jane Orie (Republican) sponsored a bill that would require voters to show a government-issued photo ID or two other kids of identification of which one would have a photo.
In 2011 Metcalfe tried again and succeeded. Voter ID passed the house, the senate and was signed by Gov. Corbett. It is now in the courts.
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